Today’s Purpose:

This episode is for the guys. When it comes to fashion and style, what’s your perspective? Do you have a personal style, or do you go through the motions each morning. Additionally, what do you think of ethical fashion? Do you think it only applies to women, or does it resonate with you. Let’s be honest, in the ethical fashion realm, the voices are primarily female. On today’s episode, we’ll hear from one of the men on the frontlines in the ethical fashion industry. Garik Himebaugh is the Chief Stylist and founder at Eco-Stylist. He joins us to help you revamp your style while shopping with a purpose.

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Ethical Fashion from a Man’s Perspective | Business with Purpose Podcast EP 143: Garik Himebaugh, Eco-Stylist

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Things You Don’t Want To Miss:

3:09 – The Garik 101

Eco-Stylist is a marketplace for ethically and sustainably-made men’s clothes. Garik shares how his journey into this space began with his first foray into men’s fashion.
Garik’s girlfriend suggested he wasn’t well-dressed, and he began to see that fashion enabled him to represent his best self.
His dream was to be an entrepreneur. Specifically, he wanted to be a social entrepreneur. Garik moved to Iowa three years ago, and he planned to open a business at the same time. During this time, a summer in Boston sparked his passion for ethical fashion.

8:20 – A Background In Conflict Resolution

Garik studied Conflict Analysis & Resolution at George Mason University. His major started on a whim, but soon it turned into an eagerness to turn his degree into a career. However, Garik explains the difficulty of finding a competitive job in D.C.
Garik took a job in finance, but he never forgot his dream to pursue peace studies and social justice.
In business school, Garik read the stories of companies like TOMS Shoes and Warby Parker. He decided he wanted to leverage his degree to first start a business and later pursue social entrepreneurialism.

13:26 – Why Not Start Today?

So many people desire to make change, yet they’re hindered by the phrase, “When I get to X place in life, I’ll be able to do Y.” They feel they need to take care of themselves before they can begin to make a difference for others. In reality, it might be possible for you to jump in and start doing what you want to do NOW.
You can do anything with purpose. Garik explains how his work as a stylist gives him a platform to advocate for those in need.

18:36 – A Misconception Of Generosity

There’s this misconception that wealthy people are the most generous. Not to take away from the work of the wealthy, but the middle class is exceptionally generous. Everyday people give their time, money, and talents to fight for change.

22:20 – Speaking The Language Of Men

Not to generalize, but most men aren’t that into fashion. Garik shares his journey into fashion and he developed his own personal style.
So many voices in the men’s fashion space are part of what Garik refers to as “bro culture.” Garik wanted to find his own voice in the space. He wanted to be genuine.

29:38 – Little Changes Lead To Large Impacts

Diversity is important in the ethical fashion space. However, Garik explains not all views are necessarily healthy. Sometimes, voices in the ethical space can be hostile, but we need to be united as we advocate for change.
It’s difficult to go all-in in the ethical space. It’s important to recognize what steps you can take to become more socially conscious without beating yourself up over what you can’t do.
There’s nothing wrong with shopping, but it’s important to be conscious as you shop. Don’t be an impulse buyer. Consider what you’re supporting with your purchases.
Lots of little changes by lots of people can be hugely impactful. The issues can feel overwhelming, and change doesn’t happen overnight. Advocate for small changes.

34:50 – Bridging The Gap For Men

Garik explains his process for getting guys into fashion. For most men, the jump into fashion isn’t a natural one. Eco-Stylist has an online shop, and they also have a styling service that helps you to find a wardrobe to match your personality.
Eco-Stylist can even suggest specific ethically-sourced items and help you know where to find them.

Getting To Know Our Guest:

40:17 – Garik shares with us how he’d survive in an elevator, his favorite tv shows as a child, and a challenge for us to try rock climbing.

A Memorable Moment:

Meet Your Guest:

Garik is the Chief Stylist and founder at Eco-Stylist. He provides personal style consultations including custom look book creation, wardrobe renovation, and special event styling, both remotely and locally from Iowa City, Iowa.

Garik enjoys tinkering, a warm cup of coffee, edgy patterns, and brainstorming the perfect outfit. He holds a degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

Website: www.eco-stylist.com

Instagram: @yourecostylist

Facebook: @yourecostylist

Pinterest: Eco-Stylist

Linkedin: Garik Himebaugh